Auto Insurance FAQ

In some cases, you will call insurance company when your car breaks down in the middle of the road for towing assistance. When the vehicle arrives at the repair shop, insurance policy covers the damage and provides rental car until your car is ready to go again. There are two main purposes of purchasing auto insurance: to comply with the law and protect yourself from the inevitable. In a modern world where thousands of people are on the road every hour and cars are all over the place, involvement in an accident is one of the inevitable occurrences. It does not happen often, but accident does happen.

Do I need to buy auto insurance?

Nearly all states require drivers or anyone who owns and drives a car to purchase auto insurance. An insurance policy is proof of financial responsibility for using the car and driving it on the public road. Even when you do not want to purchase insurance, you need to provide valid proof of financial responsibility in forms of assets to pay claims in case you are at fault in an accident. Liability insurance is a must in every state.

How much do I have to spend for auto insurance?

Every state has a set of rules regarding auto insurance including the minimum amount you need to pay. In most states, liability policy is obligatory. Those policies cover the amount you have to pay if someone else suffers from injury and property damage following an accident in which you are at fault. They do not cover your medical payment and damages to your property. You have the option to prolong the coverage to give financial protection to yourself through various policies such as Collision, Personal Injury Protection, Comprehensive, and Rental Reimbursement.

How does insurance company determine my premium?

There are many factors to consider, but in most cases the insurer looks into the following:

· Driving record

· Types of car

· Crime rate in your neighborhood

· Distance you cover with your car on day to day basis

· Age

· Profession

· Types of coverage you buy

It is not exceptional for a company to consider your current credit rating too. There is a correlation between credit score and the probability of missing premium payment. Most companies offer discounts to reduce the premium, but eligibility requirement varies. One of the most current discounts is for policy bundling, for example, you purchase insurance for your cars and home from the same company.

What if my friend drives my car?

There is no clear line whether or not your auto policy applies if someone else drives your car. The decision regarding this issue depends on the insurer, and the rules vary among companies. Some types of coverage such as Collision and Comprehensive follow the car, meaning the policies apply regardless of who is driving. Other types of coverage follow the person, for example, liability and medical payment. If your friend does not have the necessary policy, you cannot file claims for your friend’s injury.

Why do teen drivers pay more for auto insurance than adults?

Teen drivers pay more expensive for auto insurance because insurance company think they lack experience and tend to commit violations including speeding and other infractions. Parents must educate their teen children about the cost of insurance concerning consumption of alcohol and drugs. Driving under the influence (DUI) of alcohol or drugs is a major violation that affects insurance premium. The insurance company determines the rate or premium by measuring probability and therefore risky behaviors including underage drug use and consumption of alcohol increases insurance rate.

What do I do after a DUI?

Record of a DUI may force insurance company to cancel the policy. After cancellation due to a DUI, auto insurance is hard to come by, but it is available in non-standard market or insurance for high-risk drivers. The premium is more expensive from such market, but necessary to comply with the law.

Does anyone know the way to reduce the premium for teens?

Other factors that affect teen driver’s auto insurance are:

· Grades: good academic performance allows for “good grade” discounts. Some companies offer a discount of up to 25% off premium for students with average B score or higher.

· Car models: high-performance cars are risky. They reach high speed in no time, and that increases the risk of accidents. A more conventional model can help reduce the premium as well.

An insurance agent is a helpful source of information. This is the person to consult about cost, possible violation, eligibility for discounts, and coverage options.